Customer Reviews

Undersea Kingdom [VHS]

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

While it is true that there are better serials, this one is a fine sampling of early Republic chapter-plays.

Professor Norton has discovered the lost city of Atlantis, and learns that it is the source of mysterious deadly earthquakes. Naval hero Ray "Crash" Corrigan and his reporter girlfriend Diana join Norton in his rocket powered submarine to investigate the mystery at the bottom of the sea.

Along for the ride is young Billy, Norton's son, who idolizes the dashing and heroic Crash.

When they arrive in the undersea city, Norton and Diana are quickly captured by Unga Khan, evil ruler of Atlantis. Khan uses his Transforming Ray to weaken Norton's mind and make him Khan's slave! His plan is to have Norton build rockets powerful enough to lift his war tower to the surface of the sea, so Khan can capture the world with his atom guns.

Corrigan eventually earns the trust of the Atlaneans in the Sacred City, and tries to rescue Norton and his sweetheart.

The co-director of the serial, 'Breezy' Reeves Eason, served as second unit director on the silent epic "Ben-Hur" (1925), most notibly on the famous chariot sequence. No wonder this serial is full of chariot chases and races!

Lon Chaney plays one of Unga Khan's henchmen, as Captain of the Black Robes. Smiley Burnette is along as unecessary and annoying comedy relief. The youngster who plays Billy also played Junior in some of the Dick Tracy movies.

There is some silliness with the costumes; Sharad, the leader of the Sacred City, looks like a low-rent Bishop, and Crash's helmet looks like it came from a hood ornament. Crash's costume is kind of silly-looking, too, with fish-scale shorts. The bad guys wear lightning bolts on their heads, which actually look pretty good for soldiers in an atom-powered army.

The Volkites are the coolest thing about the serial. They are the original walking trash can robots, similar to the ones that appear in the Captain Proton segments of Star Trek Voyager.

The real question is why Unga Khan has all of the technology, while the Sacred City has none. And why does Khan attack with horses and archers, when he has technology like the Volkites, atom guns, and aircraft. And let's not even ask why a domed city under the sea can have day and night.

The Roan print is great, as usual. They include lobby art and the serial's history with production notes. The interactive menus are nice, too. Each chapter is shown in a "reflecting plate" (what the bad guys call their TV communicator screens).

"Undersea Kingdom" is an all-time classic, and one of the most consistantly enjoyable serials ever made. Ray "Crash" Corrigan plays his athletic self, joining a little party of explorers who travel by submarine hundreds of leagues beneath the sea to find the source of mysterious seismic waves causing earthquakes on the surface. The waves come from the lost Atlantis, which, contrary to popular opinion, sunk so slowly that the inhabitants had plenty of time to construct a giant glass dome over the submerged continent. It is this scientific genius that allows them to threaten the surface, as well as to invent television, robots, and armoured cars. However, for the most part, they ride horses, fight with swords, and wear tunics topped by some of the silliest looking hats ever seen on film. B. Reeves Eason was the primary director for "Undersea Kingdom," and it bears many similarities to his earlier "Phantom Empire" (for Mascot) and "Darkest Africa." As in these earlier serials, "Undersea Kingdom" features a power struggle within the leadership of a distant and xenophobic city, in which the balance of power is affected by the entry of a small party of Americans led by a movie star playing himself. Here, the wise priests are beleagured by the rebellion of the odious Unga Khan (yes, they had Khans in ancient Greece). Like all of Eason's serials, there is lots of comedy mixed in with the thrills (Eason is remembered as an action guru, but his sense of character and slapstick were equally noteable). Other members of the party include a female reporter, the stowaway child of the submarine's developer, and the always problematic presence of Smiley Burnette, here even dumber than usual. But Republic gave their second production a real working budget: the sets are marvels of intricate hodge-podge, the costumes are florid and frilly, and the effects are noteable, albeit more for their conception than their execution. There are several great cliffhangers. "Flash Gordon" is the best-remembered serial of 1936, but in its own way, "Undersea Kingdom" is as enjoyable to watch today. It's funnier, it's more melodramatic, and Crash Corrigan (who also starred in Republic's "The Painted Stallion" and zillions of B-Westerns) compares favorably with Buster Crabbe in a similar role. The print is beautiful and clear as a bell. In short, Undersea Kingdom has oodles of everything which a serial fan in this modern age could wish for; if you don't like this, you're not a serial fan: go rent a musical. 1936 may have been the best serial year ever: "Undersea Kingdom" is a big part of the reason.

A worthy competitor to Universal's "Flash Gordon", which
preceded it in theatres by about two months, "Undersea
Kingdom" begins with strange earthquakes on the ocean floor that
draw the attention of kindly but doddering old Professor
Norton. Norton finds a statue down there and immediately decides that
the long-lost continent of Atlantis is to blame for the trouble. He
puts together an expedition that consists of himself, a naval officer
named "Crash" Corrigan portrayed, interestingly enough, by
"Crash" Corrigan in a role he was evidently born to play, and a
handsome crew of sailors, misfits, stowaways and ...a liberated
lady-type reporter.

Well, to make 12 episodes short, Atlantis is
indeed to blame for the seaquakes, as the nefarious Unga Khan seeks to
overthrow Sharad, High Priest of the Sacred City. Or something. They
all look alike and the only real way to tell the difference between
any of them is that (a) they all wear different silly hats, and (b)
one of `em looks just like Lon Chaney, Jr. In fact, it IS Lon
Chaney, Jr., who, the narrative would've told us if it had been
pertinent, was hiding out at the bottom of the ocean because there's
no full moon down there. Although, believe it or not, there's clouds
and dust and horses. Don't ask.

Unga Khan is ready for the outside
interlopers, however. He unleashes a plethora of perilous devices to
entrap/enslave/murder our heroes (depending on the chapter), including
a giant magnet to capture the submarine, an army of Volkites,
mechanical men who resemble port-o-potties with legs, and a death-ray
gun that looks like a vacuum cleaner and probably is. Best of all is a
particularly nasty-looking tank, to which Crash finds himself chained
and helpless as the machine is about to ram the wall of the Sacred
City. In the chapterplay's best moment, Crash stoically shouts, "Go
ahead and ram!" rather than divulge whatever bit of information
Khan is after... I kind of fell asleep in that chapter.

Well, lots
more really exciting stuff happens, although I can't remember what
just now. Suffice to say that virtue triumphs in the end. As it always
does. Except in politics.

The supporting cast is fine, particularly
Monte Blue as Khan and C. Montague Shaw as Norton. As mentioned, the
silly hats are delightful; really, no kidding, you are going to come
away from this serial remembering the hats which adorn virtually every
head. Unless you were admiring all the really muscular guys wearing
short skirts, but that's none of my business. Oh, and the shoes are
really stylish and snazzy, too.

This is the second Republic serial ever (after Darkest Africa with Clyde Beatty) and if you like serials you'll appreciate this hokum-it's what serials are all about. You've GOT to cook up a batch of popcorn and have some M&M's and coke and pretend you're in you're local moviehouse in 1936 with all the other kids and looking forward to "Things To Come" which was probably the featured attraction.
Crash Corrigan must have incredible B.O. with all that half-neked wrastlin'. Lon Chaney Jr. is fun to watch so young.
All these guys keep pouring out this tunnel and ride their horses down the SAME trail, that's how you know the chase is on. We've got a guy with a dial-o-disaster on his chest plate and a rocket launcher that can't possibly be accurate. But all is in fun. Femme fatale has minimum screen time as does comedy relief duo.
Two discs DVD, sound and picture are ok, the Roan Group copy is the best out there.

"Undersea Kingdom" was one of Republic's first serials and it's still a lot of fun. Though an underwater version of Universal's "Flash Gordon," this 1936 chapterplay moves at a brisk pace. Ray "Crash" Corrigan is an engaging action hero, even when he has to utter lines such as "Go ahead and ram!" It's also nice to see Lon Chaney Jr. as a slimy villain in one of his early films. "Undersea Kingdom" may seem a bit hokey by today's standards, but it's the kind of nostalgic escapism that's impossible to resist.

My favourite Republic serial - it's way over-the-top, bordering on camp in places and loads of fun! Superb stunts and effects for the time, non-stop action and a huge supporting cast of extras playing soldiers in chariots. What must the budget have been like for these things?
Also first class music. Listen closely and there's a bit of Liszt thrown in!

VCI Entertainment and Republic Pictures present Nat Levine's "Undersea Kingdom" (1936) (Dolby digitally remastered), 12 Chapters of vintage serial loaded with action sequences featuring Crash Corrigan who can do just about everything that each episode requires...Corrigan graduated from Annapolis only to be recruited by Professor Norton to venture beneath the ocean depths with Diana a go getting reporter, Norton's son Billy and Briny Deep as the take a ride in a rocket submarine...will they locate the "Lost City of Atlantis"...can Naval Lieutenant Crash Corrigan escape the war monging Atlanteans and save Professor Norton from the spell that Unga Khan has cast upon the Professor...there is a war between Khan's Black Robe Guards and the White Robed followers of Sharad...which side will Crash choose and can he use his exceptional skills and power to defeat the evil villains in every chapter...the White Robe's need a leader, will Crash be chosen for that high office and become commander...Professor Norton is working on his priming powder that will be used to propel Unga Khan's tower to the upper world and conquer all who stand in his way...what threatening calamity awaits Crash during these 12 Republic Serial chapers or can he device a plan to turn the tables and good triumph over evil...some interesting special effects by John T. Coyle, Howard Lydecker and Theodore Lydecker, not to mention the production team of Barney A. Sarecky and Sol C. Siegel...the outlandish costumes that Crash and other cast members were wearing is by Robert Ramsey (costume designer)...the exciting original musical score by Arthur Kay, Leon Rosebrook and none other than the "Music Man" himself Meredith Wilson......don't miss any of the 12 exciting chapters.

Under director's B. Reeves Eason and Joe Kane, producer Nat Levine with original story by Tracy Knight and John Rathmell, screenplay by Oliver Drake and Maurice Geraghty ...the cast include Ray Corrigan (Crash Corrigan), Lois Wilde (Diana Compton), Monte Blue (Unga Khan), William Farnum (Sharad), Boothe Howard (Ditmar), Raymond Hatton (Gasspon), C. Montague Shaw (Prof. Norton), Lee Van Atta (Billy Norton), Smiley Burnette (Briny Deep), Lon Chaney Jr (Capt. Hakur), Lane Chandler (Darius), John Merton (Moloch), Jack Ingram (Khan's Guardsman), Eddie Parker (Khan's Guardsman), Tom Steele (Khan's Guardsman), Frankie Marvin (Salty)... Corrigan got his chance with this vehicle as his first starring role, less we forget his role as Tuscon Smith in the long running "Three Mesquiteers" B-Western series...keep your eyes peeled for Smiley "Frog Millhouse" Burnette (Gene Autry & Charles Starrett sidekick in early B-Westerns), Raymond Hatton ("Rough Riders" series and Johnny Mack Brown's old timer sidekick of B-Westerns), Lon Chaney Jr (Universal's "Wolf Man" Series), Lane Chandler (John Wayne sidekick in early B-Westerns), John Merton (clean shaven Merton is the hero in this feature, normally one of the best villains in the picture business), Jack Ingram (another great character actor and villain) and a very young John Barrymore Jr. who goes uncredited in the cast listings...Republic Pictures stuntwork is always terrific and this serial is no exception...there is a great deal of entertainment here for the cliffhanger fans out there...all courtesy of VCI Entertainment, who in my humble opinion is the best there is in restoring early serials and features.

CHAPTER TITLES:
1. Beneath the Ocean Floor
2. The Undersea City
3. Arena of Death
4. Revenge of the Volkites
5. Prisoners of Atlantis
6. The Juggernaut Strikes
7. The Submarine Trap
8. Into the Metal Tower
9. Death in the Air
10.Atlantis Destroyed
11.Flaming Death
12.Ascent to the Upperworld

SPECIAL FEATURES:
BIOS:
1. Ray Corrigan (aka Raymond Bernard)
Birth Date: 2/14/1907 - Milwaukee, WI
Died: 8/10/1976 - Brookings Harbor, OR
2. Lois Wilde
Birth Date: 9/20/1907 - Minnesota
Died: 2/16/1995 - Attleboro, MA
3. Joseph Kane (Director)
Birth Date: 3/19/1897 - San Diego, CA
Died: 8/25/1975 - Santa Monica, CA
4. B. Reeves "Breezy" Eason (Director)
Birth Date: 10/02/1886 - Friar Point, MS
Died: 6/09/1956 - Sherman Oaks, CA

ORIGINAL SERIAL TRAILERS:
"Undersea Kingdom" (Ray "Crash" Corrigan, Lois Wilde, Raymond Hatton, Monte Blue, Lone Chaney Jr. & Smiley Burnett)

PHOTO GALLERY:
(stills of the "Undersea Kingdom" in color and B&W - Lobby Cards)

VCI CLIFFHANGER TRAILERS:
1. Buck Rogers (Buster Crabbe)
2. Adventures of the Flying Cadets (Bobby Jordan)
3. Drums of Fu Manchu (Henry Brandon)
4. Jungle Girl (Frances Gifford)
5. The Phantom (Tom Tyler)
6. Zane Greys "King of the Royal Mounted" (Allan "Rocky" Lane)
7. Secret Agent X-9 (1945) (Lloyd Bridges & Keye Luke)
8. Adventures of Red Ryder (Don "Red" Barry)
9. Secret Agent X-9 (1937) (Scott Kolk & Henry Brandon)
10.Zorro's Cliffhanger Collection (Reed Hadley, John Carroll & Linda Stirling)
11.Dick Tracy's G-Men (Ralph Byrd)
12.Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe (Buster Crabbe)
13.Jungle Jim (Grant Withers & Raymond Hatton)
14.Miracle Rider (Tom Mix & Tony Jr)

Own them now on DVD....if you crave action, drama and plenty of adventure then this is the place for all of the above...if you enjoyed this serial check out another release from VCI Entertainment as they present Alex Raymond's "Jungle Jim " (1936) (digitally remastered), 12 cliffhanging chapters that will keep you on the edge of your seat... really outstanding scenes between a lion and tiger in a to the death fight...high production from Universal's serial department...each episode chuck full of scenes loaded with cliffhanger adventure...gotta love it!

Great job by VCI Entertainment for releasing "Undersea Kingdom" (1936), the digital transfere with a clean, clear and crisp print...looking forward to more high quality releases from the vintage serial era of the '30s, '40s & '50s...order your copy now from Amazon or VCI Entertainment, stay tuned once again for top notch action mixed with deadly adventure from the "King of Serials" VCI...just the way we like 'em!

Total Time: 226 mins on DVD ~ VCI Entertainment 8378 ~ (5/25/2004)

The Undersea Kingdom is a classic among serials. Ray "Crash" Corrigan is a handsome stud, who wrestles,tightropes, climbs, and fences his way to victory for 12 chapters. The special effects are slick and still look good today. Particularly impressive are the (attractive) submarine, and the unique Volplane airships. Additionally, the Vokite robots are interesting servants, rather than stereotypical "mean" mechanical men. Ray gun effects are well done too. The tank-like Juggernaut is a real vehicle with a turbine-like sound which is used to good advantage. Mixed in with all of this technology are horses, chariots and sword and bow and arrow-weilding soldiers! Though all of this takes place in the sunken world of Atlantis, there are trees, lakes and clouds everywhere! Nevertheless, this serial creates a unique "lost civilization" feeling of escapism. The costumes might seem outrageous, but help contribute to the feeling of isolation of this society. Also, the serial lacks contemporary frames of reference (such as cars and clothing styles) which keeps it timeless. As noted elsewhere, there is a lot of beefcake in the vein of early sixties Italian sword and sandal epics. Crash is surrounded by scantily-clad warriors and prisoners. (Check out the two gladiators under the chariot!) Billy, the boy, is a resourceful character aptly played by Lee Van Atta. He looks to be about nine years old, while his father, Professor Norton, looks to be about 80! My best reference for The Undersea Kingdom is that it is boisterously entertaining. And that's what it is all about. "Go ahead and ram!"

This is the same sort of fun stuff as the "Phantom Empire" serial, starring Gene Autry... only this one mostly takes place at the bottom of the ocean.

The hero is Ray "Crash" Corrigan, a revered young U.S. Naval officer who is called in to investigate the cause of a rash of various natural disasters which appear to have happened unexpectedly around the planet. Of course the evil Unga Kahn is literally at the root of the problem in his undersea city. He plans to eventually emerge from his Atlantis and take over the earth after he has brought everyone to their knees by using his ingenious machine which causes the earth to shudder under these various natural disasters.

The whole story evolves into a "sci-fi undersea western" of sorts, complete with horses, chariots, helmeted warriors, rockets, and very cool robots ("Volkites," who gad about with ray guns in a speedy Juggernaut), once Corrigan gets to the scene of the action via submarine. There is a "good faction," the nemesis of Unga Kahn, in the undersea civilization and Corrigan teams up with this group in an effort to overcome the sinister tyrant. Two featured stars whom viewers may connect with include Monte Blue (Unga Kahn) and Lon Chaney, Jr. (as Kahn's minion).

This fine old Republic serial (1936) was originally marketed in two separate volumes (still available), each in its own packaging. Here, you get both discs in one package. The film runs for a total of 230 minutes over 12 chapters.

Of course this one is shot in black-and-white and the aspect is full screen. Yes, it's campy and ludicrous, but I love it!

My highest recommendation to appropriate viewers.

VCI Entertainment and Republic Pictures present Nat Levine's "Undersea Kingdom" (1936) (Dolby digitally remastered), 12 Chapters of vintage serial loaded with action sequences featuring Crash Corrigan who can do just about everything that each episode requires...Corrigan graduated from Annapolis only to be recruited by Professor Norton to venture beneath the ocean depths with Diana a go getting reporter, Norton's son Billy and Briny Deep as the take a ride in a rocket submarine...will they locate the "Lost City of Atlantis"...can Naval Lieutenant Crash Corrigan escape the war monging Atlanteans and save Professor Norton from the spell that Unga Khan has cast upon the Professor...there is a war between Khan's Black Robe Guards and the White Robed followers of Sharad...which side will Crash choose and can he use his exceptional skills and power to defeat the evil villains in every chapter...the White Robe's need a leader, will Crash be chosen for that high office and become commander...Professor Norton is working on his priming powder that will be used to propel Unga Khan's tower to the upper world and conquer all who stand in his way...what threatening calamity awaits Crash during these 12 Republic Serial chapers or can he device a plan to turn the tables and good triumph over evil...some interesting special effects by John T. Coyle, Howard Lydecker and Theodore Lydecker, not to mention the production team of Barney A. Sarecky and Sol C. Siegel...the outlandish costumes that Crash and other cast members were wearing is by Robert Ramsey (costume designer)...the exciting original musical score by Arthur Kay, Leon Rosebrook and none other than the "Music Man" himself Meredith Wilson......don't miss any of the 12 exciting chapters.

Under director's B. Reeves Eason and Joe Kane, producer Nat Levine with original story by Tracy Knight and John Rathmell, screenplay by Oliver Drake and Maurice Geraghty ...the cast include Ray Corrigan (Crash Corrigan), Lois Wilde (Diana Compton), Monte Blue (Unga Khan), William Farnum (Sharad), Boothe Howard (Ditmar), Raymond Hatton (Gasspon), C. Montague Shaw (Prof. Norton), Lee Van Atta (Billy Norton), Smiley Burnette (Briny Deep), Lon Chaney Jr (Capt. Hakur), Lane Chandler (Darius), John Merton (Moloch), Jack Ingram (Khan's Guardsman), Eddie Parker (Khan's Guardsman), Tom Steele (Khan's Guardsman), Frankie Marvin (Salty)... Corrigan got his chance with this vehicle as his first starring role, less we forget his role as Tuscon Smith in the long running "Three Mesquiteers" B-Western series...keep your eyes peeled for Smiley "Frog Millhouse" Burnette (Gene Autry & Charles Starrett sidekick in early B-Westerns), Raymond Hatton ("Rough Riders" series and Johnny Mack Brown's old timer sidekick of B-Westerns), Lon Chaney Jr (Universal's "Wolf Man" Series), Lane Chandler (John Wayne sidekick in early B-Westerns), John Merton (clean shaven Merton is the hero in this feature, normally one of the best villains in the picture business), Jack Ingram (another great character actor and villain) and a very young John Barrymore Jr. who goes uncredited in the cast listings...Republic Pictures stuntwork is always terrific and this serial is no exception...there is a great deal of entertainment here for the cliffhanger fans out there...all courtesy of VCI Entertainment, who in my humble opinion is the best there is in restoring early serials and features.

CHAPTER TITLES:
1. Beneath the Ocean Floor
2. The Undersea City
3. Arena of Death
4. Revenge of the Volkites
5. Prisoners of Atlantis
6. The Juggernaut Strikes
7. The Submarine Trap
8. Into the Metal Tower
9. Death in the Air
10.Atlantis Destroyed
11.Flaming Death
12.Ascent to the Upperworld

SPECIAL FEATURES:
BIOS:
1. Ray Corrigan (aka Raymond Bernard)
Birth Date: 2/14/1907 - Milwaukee, WI
Died: 8/10/1976 - Brookings Harbor, OR
2. Lois Wilde
Birth Date: 9/20/1907 - Minnesota
Died: 2/16/1995 - Attleboro, MA
3. Joseph Kane (Director)
Birth Date: 3/19/1897 - San Diego, CA
Died: 8/25/1975 - Santa Monica, CA
4. B. Reeves "Breezy" Eason (Director)
Birth Date: 10/02/1886 - Friar Point, MS
Died: 6/09/1956 - Sherman Oaks, CA

ORIGINAL SERIAL TRAILERS:
"Undersea Kingdom" (Ray "Crash" Corrigan, Lois Wilde, Raymond Hatton, Monte Blue, Lone Chaney Jr. & Smiley Burnett)

PHOTO GALLERY:
(stills of the "Undersea Kingdom" in color and B&W - Lobby Cards)

VCI CLIFFHANGER TRAILERS:
1. Buck Rogers (Buster Crabbe)
2. Adventures of the Flying Cadets (Bobby Jordan)
3. Drums of Fu Manchu (Henry Brandon)
4. Jungle Girl (Frances Gifford)
5. The Phantom (Tom Tyler)
6. Zane Greys "King of the Royal Mounted" (Allan "Rocky" Lane)
7. Secret Agent X-9 (1945) (Lloyd Bridges & Keye Luke)
8. Adventures of Red Ryder (Don "Red" Barry)
9. Secret Agent X-9 (1937) (Scott Kolk & Henry Brandon)
10.Zorro's Cliffhanger Collection (Reed Hadley, John Carroll & Linda Stirling)
11.Dick Tracy's G-Men (Ralph Byrd)
12.Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe (Buster Crabbe)
13.Jungle Jim (Grant Withers & Raymond Hatton)
14.Miracle Rider (Tom Mix & Tony Jr)

Own them now on DVD....if you crave action, drama and plenty of adventure then this is the place for all of the above...if you enjoyed this serial check out another release from VCI Entertainment as they present Alex Raymond's "Jungle Jim " (1936) (digitally remastered), 12 cliffhanging chapters that will keep you on the edge of your seat... really outstanding scenes between a lion and tiger in a to the death fight...high production from Universal's serial department...each episode chuck full of scenes loaded with cliffhanger adventure...gotta love it!

Great job by VCI Entertainment for releasing "Undersea Kingdom" (1936), the digital transfere with a clean, clear and crisp print...looking forward to more high quality releases from the vintage serial era of the '30s, '40s & '50s...order your copy now from Amazon or VCI Entertainment, stay tuned once again for top notch action mixed with deadly adventure from the "King of Serials" VCI...just the way we like 'em!

Total Time: 226 mins on DVD ~ VCI Entertainment 8378 ~ (5/25/2004)